Solid, Liquid, or Gas?

What’s the matter? Solid, liquid, or gaseous? Shape up your physics knowledge with a Model Magic® mobile that really matters.

• 1.

  <STRONG> Discover solids, liquids, and gases</STRONG>. Everything is matter, in either a solid, liquid, or gaseous state. All matter occupies space, has mass, and consists of atoms. Solids have hard surfaces and differ in how their molecules are arranged. Liquids are smooth and wet, flow, and take the shape of their container. Gases move, don’t stick together, and have no shape.

• 2.

  <STRONG>Find examples</STRONG>. With a small group, brainstorm common examples of the three states of matter: metal, rock, and ice are solids; raindrops, honey, and milk are liquids; steam, hot air, and compressed air are gases.

• 3.

  <STRONG>Design a mobile</STRONG>. Work together to create models of the three states of matter using colored Crayola Model Magic. Firmly press a paperclip into the top of each. Air-dry overnight.

• 4.

  With Crayola Scissors, cut a cardboard roll into one long and three short sections. Cut construction paper to cover the rolls. Attach it with Crayola School Glue. Air-dry the rolls.

• 5.

  Label the three short sections—solid, liquid, gaseous—with a Crayola Washable Marker. Label the longer roll, too. Include information about matter if you wish. Tie your models to the correct short cardboard rolls with string or yarn. Tie the three section

Benefits

• Students gather information about the three states of matter.
• Students classify, distinguish, and differentiate between states of matter.
• Students build models and construct a mobile to represent the three different types of

Adaptations

• Create sequential models of matter that changes states. For example: liquid egg to solid egg or liquid plastic to hard molded plastic.
• Students with special needs may benefit from gathering real examples of each type of matter and making replicas of these items.
• Make a chart showing the different examples used by groups to make their mobiles.